Oxnard man arrested after morning chase in Ventura, police say

An Oxnard man was arrested and jailed Friday on suspicion of felony vandalism after allegedly fleeing from police.

Ventura officers said the chase began around 9 a.m. when they went to the 1200 block of Petit Avenue to investigate a report that an offender released early under the state’s effort to reduce prison overcrowding was disturbing the peace. Police said the individual refused to obey their commands and ran away in the residential area in east Ventura, ultimately breaking through the roof of an outdoor structure before being arrested.

He was taken into custody after a brief struggle, officers said, and transported to Ventura County Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries sustained during the incident.

He was also arrested on suspicion of arresting arrest, a misdemeanor.

Police identified the suspect as 25-year-old Nicomedes Watts. He was booked into the main jail in Ventura, where he was being held without bail Friday evening.

Police are investigating the incident and asking anyone with information to call them at 339-4441.